On 23/04/2008, at 1:38 AM, Nick Arnett wrote: > > Otherwise, they would have to account for religious that > successfully teach > and encourage humility, grace, forgiveness, critical thinking and so > forth...
Who are, on the whole, in the minority. Your experience of the religious in your liberal Lutheran church is somewhat different to that of mine when I lived in the Middle East or when I grew up in the UK... Religion in most places is treated with an authority that far exceeds its actual contribution to modern society. It seems to me you're missing the point, which is that all number of damaging behaviour is excused in the name of religion when it is otherwise not tolerated. Of *course* these things aren't exclusive to religion (as you rightly point out, politics is damaging too), but religion provides a shield. Ritual is important, as you say. Ceremonies bring us together, and contribute to social cohesion. But they don't need to be religious in nature. Charlie. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
